Saina struggles into All England quarters

HYDERABAD: Saina Nehwal struggled past American qualifier Zhang Beiwen 24-22, 18-21, 21-19 to advance to the quarterfinals of the All England Open Super Series Premier in Birmingham late on Thursday.

Saina faced unexpected resistance from the world No. 41 player. Admitting that she faced a tough time against Zhang, Saina said, "It was a very tough match. She used to play for Singapore earlier and had very good results against several top players. I had not played her before but I found her as one of the strongest players around. She has a very good net game and troubled me with powerful smashes. I really struggled but I am happy that I managed to beat her," she added.

The Indian ace began well but was surprised by the late charge of the American in the first game. Saina was cruising comfortably at 13-8 when Zhang upped the ante and came up with some powerful smashes.

She soon caught up with Saina at 18-18. Zhang, who represented Singapore before shifting to USA, saved four game points and even moved to 22-21 before Saina came up with three successive points to win the first game at 24-22.

Zhang was even more aggressive in the second and her six-point burst at 9-11, changed the course of the game. Though Saina saved two game points at 16-20, Zhang went on to win the game at 21-18. It was a see-saw battle even in the decider but Saina managed to hold her nerve and won it 21-19.

Saina will next face Shixian Wang of China in the last eight clash. The former All England champion is in good form now. "It will not be easy against Shixian. But I have good results against her," Saina had said earlier. Unlike last year there were no major upsets in the women's singles.